Nicola Joyce, from Willaston, has been appointed following her successful involvement with the rapidly expanding mini, junior and ladies sections of the club. It is expected that Joyce, a keen player for the ladies team, will bring a fresh approach to the leadership that will help all sections to thrive, and ultimately see more players picking up their boots and getting back on the pitch. This is a bold move for the club, but one we are seeing happen more and more often as grassroots clubs appoint female leaders to drive their clubs forward.

Nicola Joyce comments:

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity and would like to thank Jon Cockburn the previous chair for his commitment and hard work. It’s an honour to be leading this fantastic club and I look forward to working with the players, coaches and local community.

There is a real opportunity for the club to make huge strides forward by working together and harnessing the talent and ambition that we all have. We are a big club with huge support and can achieve anything…….together.”

It is not the only change the club will see in the forthcoming season as new Senior Mens Head coach, John Farr, promises to take all 3 senior men’s sides to the next level and challenge for promotion, which the 1st XV narrowly missed out on last season in the play off against Malvern. This is exciting times for the club as Nantwich born and bred Farr brings a wealth of experience and passion for the game having played for, and captained, various Rugby Union/League teams at Premier, representative and international level including Bedford, Coventry, Newbury and Stroud. He has also enjoyed a successful career as Head Coach at Cirencester 1st XV and Stroud 1st XV.

John Farr comments:

“I feel very honoured to take on the role at a club that I love.We have a very strong squad from last season, where we narrowly missed out on promotion. On that front, I would like to thank, personally and on behalf of the club, Pete Allen. He was an excellent coach and has put the club in a strong position moving forward. We also have fresh blood on the committee. Excellent appointments in Nicola Joyce as Chair, and Andrew Pemberton as Vice Chair, joining a fantastically experienced group. The future is looking incredibly positive. Targets for the forthcoming season are to win every game with a smile on our face. The perfect balance of competitive rugby and a great social side. A club where every member of the C&N family feels welcome and happy.”

Farr will be hitting the ground running this week as all 3 senior mens sides start their pre-season training. Kicking off on Thursday 5th July at 7pm and running every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer. The club of course welcomes all new players of any level, so dig out those boots and join the black and white army!

Ladies pre-season will be kicking off next month starting on 1st August 7pm -9pm and running every Wednesday throughout the summer in their bid for promotion this season. And Mini’s and Junior’s training will resume again on 5th September. As always all new players will be made to feel extremely welcome, for more details on training please contact the relevant person below:

Senior Men’s Contact Nick Price Nick.price@dabbersport.co.uk

Senior Ladies Contact Matt Baty maff2@hotmail.com

Juniors and Mini’s Recruitment Contact Naomi Povey jnrmembershipcandnrufc@gmail.com

Girls (parts of Juniors) contact email cngirlsmembership@outlook.com